Illumination Devices with Adjustable Optical Elements

ABSTRACT

Illumination devices with adjustable optical elements configured to provide a variable illumination pattern of an area are described. The adjustable optical elements of the illumination devices can be traversed relative to a surface (e.g., a ceiling of a room) to vary the light distribution and/or intensity to the surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/814,145, filed on Apr. 19, 2013, theentire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to illumination devices with adjustableoptical elements to provide a variable illumination pattern.

BACKGROUND

Light sources are used in a variety of applications, such as providinggeneral illumination and providing light for electronic displays (e.g.,LCDs). Historically, incandescent light sources have been widely usedfor general illumination purposes. Incandescent light sources producelight by heating a filament wire to a high temperature until it glows.The hot filament is protected from oxidation in the air with a glassenclosure that is filled with inert gas or evacuated. Incandescent lightsources are gradually being replaced in many applications by other typesof electric lights, such as fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps(CFL), cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), high-intensity dischargelamps, and solid state light sources, such as light-emitting diodes(LEDs).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to illumination devices with adjustableoptical elements for providing variable illumination patterns, e.g., ona ceiling, walls, and/or a floor of a room. The position of the opticalelements can be adjusted relative to a background area to which theadjustable illumination device can be mounted (e.g., a ceiling of aroom) to vary the directionality of the light and/or the intensity ofthe light at the background area. While a variety of form factors arepossible, in certain embodiments the ceiling-mounted devices may havelow profiles. In certain embodiments, adjustable illumination devicesmay be suitable for retrofitting into existing light fixtures, such asexisting recessed ceiling lights (e.g., cans or troffers). In someembodiments, the adjustable illumination devices may be floor lamps ordesk lamps.

Accordingly, various aspects of the invention are summarized as follows.

In a general aspect 1, an illumination device comprises: a housing; anadjustable mount attached to the housing; and a luminaire module coupledto the housing via the adjustable mount, the luminaire modulecomprising: one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs) disposed on oneor more substrates and adapted to emit light; one or more primary opticspositioned to receive a portion of the light emitted by the LEEs andadapted to at least partially collimate the received light; and asecondary optic adapted to receive light from the one or more primaryoptics, the secondary optic having at least one redirecting surface, theat least one redirecting surface being adapted to reflect at least aportion of the light received at the secondary optic, wherein at least aportion of the luminaire module is recessed within the housing and theadjustable mount allows variable positioning of the secondary opticrelative to the housing.

Aspect 2 according to aspect 1, wherein the housing comprises an openingand adjusting the position of the secondary optic relative to thehousing comprises adjusting a position between the secondary optic andthe opening.

Aspect 3 according to any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the housingcomprises a mounting structure adapted to mount the illumination devicein a ceiling so that varying the position of the illumination devicerelative to the housing varies a distance between the secondary opticand the ceiling.

Aspect 4 according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the adjustablemount comprises an electro-mechanical actuator adapted to move theluminaire module relative to the housing.

Aspect 5 according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the adjustablemount is a manually adjustable mount.

Aspect 6 according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the luminairemodule further comprises: a light guide optically coupled at an inputend of the light guide with the one or more primary optics, the lightguide shaped to guide light received from the one or more primary opticsto an output end of the light guide and provide guided light at theoutput end of the light guide, wherein the output end of the light guideis optically coupled to the secondary optic.

Aspect 7 according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the light guidehas an elongated configuration.

Aspect 8 according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the secondaryoptic has an elongated configuration.

Aspect 9 according to any one of aspects 6 to 9, wherein the secondaryoptic comprises one or more output surfaces, and wherein the secondaryoptic directs light from the light guide towards the one or more outputsurfaces of the secondary optic.

Aspect 10 according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein one or more ofthe at least one redirecting surface is at least partially reflectivefor light received from the one or more primary optics.

Aspect 11 according to aspect 10, wherein one or more of the at leastone redirecting surface is partially transmissive for the light receivedfrom the one or more primary optics.

Aspect 12 according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein one or moreof the at least one redirecting surface reflects substantially all ofthe light received from the one or more primary optics.

Aspect 13 according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, further comprising astand for supporting the housing during operation of the illuminationdevice, preferably wherein the stand is a floor stand or a desk stand.

Aspect 14 according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the housingcomprises a connector for connecting the illumination device to anEdison screw light socket or other standard light socket (e.g., a lampmount defined in American National Standards Institute (ANSI)publications: ANSI C81.61, ANSI C81.62, ANSI C81.63, or ANSI C81.64and/or in the following International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)publications: IEC 60061-1, WC 60061-2, IEC 60061-3, or WC 60061-4).

Aspect 15 according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein theadjustable mount is adapted to translate the luminaire module relativeto the connector.

Aspect 16 according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein theadjustable mount is adapted to rotate the luminaire module relative tothe connector.

Aspect 17 according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein theillumination device is sized to attach to a recessed can ceilingfixture.

Aspect 18 according to any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein the one ormore light-emitting elements are operatively disposed on the one or moresubstrates and are configured to emit light in a first angular range,wherein the one or more primary optics are optically coupled with theportion of the light emitted by the LEEs and wherein the one or moreprimary optics are configured to direct light in a second angular range,a divergence of the second angular range being smaller than a divergenceof the first angular range.

Aspect 19 according to any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the housingincludes a mounting assembly that is configured to mount theillumination device in a ceiling so that varying the position of theillumination device relative to the housing varies a distance betweenthe secondary optic and the ceiling.

Aspect 20 according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein theredirecting surface is at least partially reflective for light receivedfrom the one or more primary optics. For example, the redirectingsurface can reflect about 50% or more (e.g., about 60% or more, about70% or more, about 80% or more, about 90% or more) of incident lightover at least a range (e.g., 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of theenergy spectrum) of visible wavelengths.

Aspect 21 according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, the redirectingsurface reflects substantially all of the light received from the one ormore primary optics. For example, the redirecting surface can reflectabout 95% or more (e.g., about 97% or more, about 98% or more, 99% ormore) of incident light over at least a range (e.g., 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%,90% or more of the energy spectrum) of visible wavelengths.

Aspect 21 according to any one of aspects 1 to 20, wherein theredirecting surface is partially transmissive for the light receivedfrom the one or more primary optics. For example, the redirectingsurface can transmit about 5% or more (e.g., about 10% or more, about20% or more, about 30% or more, about 40% or more, about 50% or more,about 60% or more) of incident light over at least a range (e.g., 50%,60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more of the energy spectrum) of visiblewavelengths.

Among other advantages, embodiments of the present invention includeimprovements in space illumination. For example, embodiments can featurean adjustable illumination device that is adapted to provide varyingillumination of one or more target areas (e.g., ceiling and/or floor,)by adjusting the position of a luminaire module included with theillumination device relative to the target area(s). As such, targetareas of varying size may be illuminated indirectly via a ceiling or awall by adjusting distances between luminaire modules and theceilings/walls within a range of motion of the luminaire modules.Furthermore, illumination devices can be configured to illuminate one ormore portions of ceilings and/or walls with certain uniformity withinthe range of motion depending on the distance between the luminairemodules and the ceilings/walls. As such, illumination from anillumination device can be adjusted to extend across a desired portionof the size of a ceiling or a wall and thereby fit needs of illuminationof different sized rooms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing three adjustable illuminationdevices with luminaire modules at different positions relative to aceiling.

FIG. 1B is a polar plot of an example of an intensity profile of anadjustable illumination device.

FIG. 1C is a polar plot of another exemplary intensity profile of anadjustable illumination device.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of a luminaire module.

FIGS. 2B-2G are schematic diagrams showing embodiments of an aspect ofthe luminaire module shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an adjustableillumination device with a solid luminaire module.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an adjustableillumination device with a hollow luminaire module.

FIG. 5 is a polar plot of another exemplary intensity profilecorresponding to an adjustable illumination device.

FIGS. 6A-6D show an example of an adjustable illumination device with afully extended luminaire module and corresponding illumination profiles.

FIGS. 7A-7D show an example of an adjustable illumination with apartially extended luminaire module and corresponding illuminationprofiles.

FIGS. 8A-8D show an example of an adjustable illumination with a fullyretracted luminaire module and corresponding illumination profiles.

FIGS. 9A-9B are perspective views of an example of an adjustableillumination device with an in-ceiling mounting structure.

FIGS. 10A-10C are perspective views of an example of an adjustableillumination device that includes a base for connecting to an Edisonsocket.

FIGS. 11A-11C are perspective views of an adjustable illumination devicemounted in an existing recess fixture.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a solidembodiment of an adjustable illumination device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of an adjustableillumination device configured as a desk lamp or floor lamp.

Reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicateexemplary aspects of implementations of particular features of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to adjustable illumination devicesconfigured to illuminate a target area, e.g., a floor of a room, agarage, etc. The adjustable illumination devices include light emittingelements (LEEs, such as, e.g., light emitting diodes, LEDs) and opticsthat are configured to provide direct illumination of the target areaand indirect illumination towards a background area, e.g., away from thetarget area. In general, “direct” illumination refers to illuminationthat propagates directly from a luminaire module to the target area,while “indirect” illumination refers to illumination that reflects(e.g., diffusely reflects) from another surface, for example a ceiling,before illuminating the target area. In some implementations, theadjustable illumination device is configured to allow interdependent aswell as independent control of the direct and indirect illuminations bya user.

The LEEs and optics are arranged as a rigid assembly that is adjustablyattached to a housing allowing repositioning of the optics relative tothe housing. However, the ceiling, floor, or other optical elementpositioned to receive light from the LEEs and optics remains fixed(hereinafter “fixed surface”) with respect to the housing so thatrepositioning the LEEs and moveable optics changes the illumination atthe fixed surface. In the context of this application “repositioning” or“variable positioning” of the secondary optic may be understood aschanging (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the distance (e.g., bytranslation) between the secondary optic and the housing, changing(e.g., tilting) the angle between the optical axis of the luminairemodule and the ceiling or floor of a room, and/or rotating (e.g.,clockwise or counter-clockwise) the secondary optic with respect to theoptical axis of the luminaire module. The “adjustable mount” maycorrespondingly be understood as a translational mount, a rotatablemount and/or a tiltable mount. In exemplary embodiments, the rotation ofthe secondary optic or luminaire module may be 0-10°, preferable 0-20°,more preferably 0-30°, even more preferably 0-40°, most preferably0-90°. In exemplary embodiments, the translation of the secondary opticor luminaire module may be 0-50 cm, preferably 0-30 cm, more preferably1-30 cm, even more preferably 1-20 cm. In exemplary embodiments, theangular tilt of the secondary optic or luminaire module may be 0-10°,preferable 0-20°, more preferably 0-30°, even more preferably 0-45°.

This principle is illustrated in FIG. 1A, which schematically showsthree adjustable illumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 mounted toa ceiling 180 of a room and configured to illuminate the room. Lightoutput from the adjustable illumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3occurs at different distances from ceiling 180. A Cartesian coordinatesystem is shown for reference. The x-y plane is parallel to the ceiling180 and a floor 190 (e.g., a floor or a desk,) while the z-axis isperpendicular to both. In general, each adjustable illumination deviceincludes one or more light emitting elements (LEEs, such as, e.g., lightemitting diodes (LEDs)) configured to emit light and a redirectingoptic. In some implementations, the redirection optic is also referredto as secondary optic.

Depending on the embodiment, the adjustable illumination device isconfigured to redirect the emitted light as output light in one or moredirect angular ranges 262 and one or more indirect angular ranges 162,162′, for example, on one or more sides or in one or more corners of aceiling of a room. In this manner, the adjustable illumination devices100-1, 100-2, 100-3 are configured to provide direct illumination of thearea (in accordance with the one or more direct angular ranges 262), andindirect illumination towards the ceiling 180 (as illustrated by theindirect angular distributions 162, 162′). While the target area in FIG.1A is the floor 190, more generally, the target area can be a workspace,a desk, a floor, or other target area. Rays 152 and 152′ encompass thedirect angular range 262. For indirect angular ranges, such as angularranges 162, 162′, for example, the prevalent direction of the angularranges are indicated by arrows.

In this example, a secondary optic 140 of each adjustable illuminationdevice is positioned at a different distance from the ceiling 180:secondary optic 140 of the adjustable illumination device 100-1 islocated at a distance H1 from the ceiling 180; secondary optic 140 ofthe adjustable illumination device 100-2 is located at a distance H2from the ceiling 180 (H2>H1); and secondary optic 140 of the adjustableillumination device 100-3 is located at a distance H3 from the ceiling180 (H3>H2.) In some embodiments, the distance of the secondary opticsto the ceiling can be 5 cm or more, 10 cm or more, 15 cm or more, or 20cm or more.

For each illumination device these distances are adjustable as describedin detail below. The distance of the secondary optics from the ceiling180 can affect the forward and/or backward illumination distribution ofthe adjustable illumination device. In particular, the size of theilluminated area of the floor 190 and the ceiling 180 depends on therelative position of the secondary optic 140 with respect to the ceiling180. For example, the adjustable illumination device 100-1 with a fullyretracted luminaire module provides the largest area of directillumination and the smallest area of indirect illumination, whereas theadjustable illumination device 100-3 with a fully extended luminairemodule provides the smallest area of direct illumination and the largestarea of indirect illumination. In some embodiments, the secondary opticis fixed with respect to the LEEs, therefore, the secondary optic andLEEs together move relative to the ceiling.

In general, the illumination distribution provided by each adjustableillumination device varies depending on the optical design of the deviceand the distance of secondary optic 140 from ceiling 180. Accordingly,adjustable illumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 can beconfigured to provide a particular light intensity distribution on atarget area, subject to given constraints. For example, the adjustableillumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 can be configured tosubstantially uniformly illuminate the floor 190 (e.g., to obtainapproximately 10% overlap between each of the adjacent direct angularranges at the floor level, thereby providing continuous illumination ofthe floor with little variation in intensity) or focus the directillumination on respective target areas. The adjustable illuminationdevices can be configured to be in conformance with glare standards(e.g., light redirected towards the floor 190 in any of the directangular range 262 does not exceed a glancing angle of 40° with respectto the z-axis.) The adjustable illumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and100-3 can be configured to maintain glare standards desired oftraditional illumination systems (not illustrated).

Such configurations of the adjustable illumination devices can beimplemented by selecting appropriate combinations of system parametersincluding (i) direct angular range 262 of direct light output by theadjustable illumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3; (ii) indirectangular ranges 162, 162′ of indirect light output by the adjustableillumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3; (iii) distance betweennearest adjustable illumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3, e.g.,about 6 ft or more, about 10 ft or more, about 15 ft or more, about 24ft; and (iv) distance H from the ceiling 180 to an effective center ofthe adjustable illumination devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3.

As shorthand, the positive z-direction is referred to herein as the“forward” direction and the negative z-direction is the “backward”direction. Sections through the illumination devices parallel to the x-zplane are referred to as the “cross-section” or “cross-sectional plane”of the illumination device.

FIG. 1B shows, for the x-z plane, an example light intensity profile 151of an adjustable illumination device, such as adjustable illuminationdevices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3. The intensity profile 151 includes fourlobes 152 a, 152 b, 162 a, and 162 b. Depending on the embodiment, adistinction between lobes 152 a and 152 b may be notional as both may besuperimposed, for example, and appear indistinguishable from each other.The result may be similar to what is described with respect to FIG. 1C.Here, the adjustable illumination device is configured to directsubstantially all of the indirect (background) light 162 a, 162 b into arange of polar angles between +90° and −110°, and between +90° and +110°in a cross-sectional plane (x-z) of the adjustable illumination device.The adjustable illumination device is also configured to directsubstantially all of the forward (e.g., direct) light into a pair ofnarrow lobes 152 a, 152 b having a range of polar angles having maximumintensity at −50° and +50° in the x-z cross-sectional plane,respectively. Lobes 152 a, 152 b of the light intensity profile 151correspond to direct angular ranges and lobes 162 a, 162 b correspond toindirect angular ranges.

FIG. 1C shows another example light intensity profile 153 from anadjustable illumination device 100. Here, intensity profile 153 includeslobes 162 a and 162 b having maximal intensity at −100° and +100°,respectively. These lobes correspond to indirect illumination. Intensityprofile 153 also includes a single lobe 154 in the forward direction,providing illumination in an angular range from about −60° to +60°.

In general, light emitting in the forward direction (e.g., lobes 152 a,152 b, or lobe 154) may be within a range between about −50° and about+50° (e.g., from about −60° and about +60°, from about −70° andabout)+70° in order to reduce glare from the adjustable illuminationdevice.

As described in detail below, composition and geometry of components ofthe adjustable illumination device affect the light intensity profileand may be selected to provide direct and indirect illumination intoranges having varying angular width and direction.

FIG. 2A shows an example of a luminaire module 200. The luminaire module200 includes a mount 210 having a plurality of LEEs 212 distributedalong a first surface 210 a of the mount 210. The luminaire module 200includes primary optics 220 (e.g., optical couplers corresponding to theLEEs 212), a light guide 230, and secondary optics 240 (e.g., an opticalextractor.) Light emitted by the LEEs 212 couples into the light guide230 (either directly or upon reflection by surfaces 221 and 222 ofprimary optics 220) and is guided by the light guide 230 to secondaryoptics 240.

In secondary optics 240, the light is incident on surfaces 242 and 244,where part of the light is reflected in angular ranges 138, 138′ andpart of the light is transmitted in angular range 262. The reflectedlight exits the secondary optics 240 through surfaces 246, 248. Thedirect illumination of luminaire module 200 corresponds to light outputin the angular range 262, and the indirect illumination corresponds tolight output in angular ranges 142, 142′. In some embodiments, luminairemodules can be configured to output light in forward direction in anangular range qualitatively similar to angular range 154 of FIG. 1C, forexample.

In this example, luminaire module 200 extends along the y-direction, sothis direction is referred to as the “longitudinal” direction of theluminaire module. Lastly, implementations of luminaire modules can havea plane of symmetry parallel to the y-z plane. This is referred to asthe “symmetry plane” of the luminaire module.

Mount 210, the light guide 230, and the secondary optic 240 extend alength L along the y-direction, so that the luminaire module is anelongated luminaire module with an elongation of L that may be aboutparallel to a wall of a room (e.g., a ceiling of the room). Generally, Lcan vary as desired. Typically, L is in a range from about 1 cm to about200 cm (e.g., 20 cm or more, 30 cm or more, 40 cm or more, 50 cm ormore, 60 cm or more, 70 cm or more, 80 cm or more, 100 cm or more, 125cm or more, or, 150 cm or more).

The number of LEEs 212 on the mount 210 will generally depend, interalia, on the length L, for example, more LEEs may be used for longerluminaire modules. In some implementations, a luminaire module mayinclude as few as about 10 LEEs or as many as about 1,000 LEEs or more(e.g., about 50 LEEs, about 100 LEEs, about 200 LEEs, about 500 LEEs).Generally, the density of LEEs (e.g., number of LEEs per unit length)will also depend on the nominal power of the LEEs and luminance desiredfrom the luminaire module. For example, a relatively high density ofLEEs can be used in applications where high luminance is desired orwhere low power LEEs are used. In some implementations, the luminairemodule 200 has an LEE density along its length of 0.1 LEE per centimeteror more (e.g., 0.2 per centimeter or more, 0.5 per centimeter or more, 1per centimeter or more, 2 per centimeter or more). In someimplementations, LEEs can be evenly spaced along the length, L, of theluminaire module. In some implementations, a heat-sink 205 can beattached to the mount 210 to extract heat emitted by the plurality ofLEEs 212. The heat-sink 205 can be disposed on a surface of the mount210 opposing the side of the mount 210 on which the LEEs 212 aredisposed.

The primary optics 220 include one or more solid pieces of transparentoptical material (e.g., a glass material or a transparent organicplastic, such as polycarbonate or acrylic) having surfaces 221 and 222positioned to reflect light from the LEEs 212 towards the light guide230. In general, surfaces 221 and 222 are shaped to collect and at leastpartially collimate light emitted from the LEEs. In the x-zcross-sectional plane, surfaces 221 and 222 can be straight or curved.Examples of curved surfaces include surfaces having a constant radius ofcurvature, parabolic or hyperbolic shapes. In some implementations,surfaces 221 and 222 are coated with a highly reflective material (e.g.,with reflectivities exceeding 80% or 90% of the visible light spectrumsuch as a reflective metal, e.g. aluminum or silver), to provide ahighly reflective optical interface. The cross-sectional profile ofprimary optics 220 can be uniform along the length L of luminaire module200. Alternatively, the cross-sectional profile can vary. For example,surfaces 221 and/or 222 can be curved out of the x-z plane.

The surface of the primary optics 220 adjacent to an upper edge 231 ofthe light guide 230 is optically coupled to the edge 231. In someembodiments, the surfaces of the interface are attached using a materialthat substantially matches the refractive index of the material formingthe primary optics 220 or light guide 230 or both. For example, theprimary optics 220 can be affixed to the light guide 230 using an indexmatching fluid, grease, or adhesive. In some implementations, theprimary optics 220 are fused to the light guide 230 or they areintegrally formed from a single piece of material (e.g., coupler andlight guide may be monolithic and may be made of a solid transparentoptical material).

In general, primary optics 220 are designed to restrict the angularrange of light entering the light guide 230 (e.g., to within +/−40degrees) so that at least a substantial amount of the light is coupledinto spatial modes in the light guide 230 that undergoes TIR at the sidesurfaces of the light guide. The example light guide 230 has a uniformthickness T, which is the distance separating two planar opposingsurfaces of the light guide. Generally, T is sufficiently large so thelight guide has an aperture at an upper edge 231 sufficiently large toapproximately match (or exceed) the aperture of primary optics 220. Insome implementations, T is in a range from about 0.05 cm to about 2 cm(e.g., about 0.1 cm or more, about 0.2 cm or more, about 0.5 cm or more,about 0.8 cm or more, about 1 cm or more, about 1.5 cm or more).Depending on the implementation, the narrower the light guide the betterit may spatially mix light. A narrow light guide also provides a narrowexit aperture. As such light emitted from the light guide can beconsidered to resemble the light emitted from a one-dimensional linearlight source, also referred to as an elongate virtual filament.

The light guide 230 can be formed from a piece of transparent material(e.g., glass material such as BK7, fused silica or quartz glass, or atransparent organic plastic, such as polycarbonate or acrylic) that canbe the same or different from the material forming the primary optics220. The example light guide 230 extends length L in the y-direction,has a uniform thickness T in the x-direction, and a uniform depth D inthe z-direction. The dimensions D and T are generally selected based onthe desired optical properties of the light guide and/or thedirect/indirect intensity distribution. During operation, light coupledinto the light guide 230 from the primary optics 220 (depicted byangular range 252) reflects off the planar surfaces of the light guideby total internal reflection and spatially mixes within the light guide.The mixing can help achieve illuminance and/or color uniformity at theoutput end 232 of the light guide 230 at the secondary optic 240. Thedepth, D, of the light guide 230 can be selected to achieve adequateuniformity at the exit aperture (i.e., at output end 232) of the lightguide. In some implementations, D is in a range from about 1 cm to about20 cm (e.g., 2 cm or more, 4 cm or more, 6 cm or more, 8 cm or more, 10cm or more, 12 cm or more).

While in this example, the primary optics 220 and the light guide 230are formed from solid pieces of transparent optical material, hollowstructures are also possible. For example, the primary optics 220 or thelight guide 230 or both may be hollow with reflective inner surfacesrather than being solid. As such material cost can be reduced andabsorption in the light guide avoided. A number of specular reflectivematerials may be suitable for this purpose including materials such as3M Vikuiti™ or Miro IV™ sheet from Alanod Corporation where greater than90% of the incident light would be efficiently guided to the secondaryoptic.

The surface of secondary optics 240 adjacent to the output end 232 oflight guide 230 is optically coupled to the output end 232. For example,secondary optics 240 can be affixed to light guide 230 using an indexmatching fluid, grease, or adhesive. In some implementations, secondaryoptics 240 are fused to light guide 230 or they are integrally formedfrom a single piece of material.

The secondary optics 240 is also composed of a solid piece oftransparent optical material (e.g., a glass material or a transparentorganic plastic, such as polycarbonate or acrylic) that can be the sameas or different from the material forming the light guide 230. In theexample implementation shown in FIG. 2A, the piece of dielectricmaterial includes redirecting (e.g., flat) surfaces 242 and 244 andcurved surfaces 246 and 248. The flat surfaces 242 and 244 representfirst and second portions of a redirecting surface 243, while the curvedsurfaces 246 and 248 represent first and second output surfaces of theluminaire module 200.

Surfaces 242 and 244 are coated with a highly reflective material (e.g.,with reflectivities exceeding 80% or 90% of the visible light spectrum,e.g. a highly reflective metal, such as aluminum or silver) over which aprotective coating may be disposed. Thus, surfaces 242 and 244 provide ahighly reflective optical interface for light entering an input end ofthe secondary optics from light guide 230. The surfaces 242 and 244include portions that are transparent to the light entering at the inputend of the secondary optics. For example, these portions can be uncoatedregions or discontinuities (e.g., slots, slits, apertures) of thesurfaces 242 and 244. The transmitted light exits the secondary optics240 through surfaces 242 and 244 in angular range 262. The transmittedlight also may also be refracted.

In the x-z cross-sectional plane, the lines corresponding to surfaces242 and 244 have the same length and form an apex or vertex 241, e.g., av-shape that meets at the apex 241. In general, an included angle (e.g.,the smallest included angle between the surfaces 244 and 242) of theredirecting surfaces 242, 244 can vary as desired. For example, in someimplementations, the included angle can be relatively small (e.g., from30° to 60°). In certain implementations, the included angle is in arange from 60° to 120° (e.g., about 90°). The included angle can also berelatively large (e.g., in a range from 120° to 150° or more).

In the example implementation shown in FIG. 2A, the output surfaces 246and 248 of the secondary optic 240 are curved with a constant radius ofcurvature that is the same for both. Accordingly, luminaire module 200has a plane of symmetry intersecting apex 241 parallel to the y-z plane.Because surfaces 246 and 248 are curved, they may serve to focus light(e.g., reduce the amount of divergence of the light) reflected byredirecting surfaces 242 and 244.

In general, the geometry of the secondary optics 240 plays a role inshaping the lobes of light emitted by the adjustable illuminationdevice. For example, the smaller the angle at apex 241, the lower theangle of incidence the reflected light will have and the smaller theangle of its deflection. Accordingly, the vertex angle can be used toprovide the desired direction of the lobes of indirect light emitted bythe adjustable illumination device. The emission spectrum of theluminaire module 200 corresponds to the emission spectrum of the LEEs212. However, in some implementations, a wavelength-conversion materialmay be positioned in the luminaire module, for example remote from theLEEs, so that the wavelength spectrum of the luminaire module isdependent both on the emission spectrum of the LEEs and the compositionof the wavelength-conversion material. In general, awavelength-conversion material can be placed in a variety of differentlocations in the luminaire module 200. For example, awavelength-conversion material may be disposed proximate the LEEs 212,adjacent surfaces 242 and 244 of the secondary optic 240, on the exitsurfaces 246 and 248 of the secondary optic 240, placed at a distancefrom the exit surfaces 246 and 248, and/or at other locations.

In some embodiments, a layer of wavelength-conversion material may beattached to light guide 230 held in place via a suitable supportstructure (not illustrated), disposed within the secondary optics (alsonot illustrated) or otherwise arranged, for example.Wavelength-conversion material that is disposed within the secondaryoptics may be configured as a shell or other object and disposed withina notional area that is circumscribed by R/n or even smallerR*(1+n²)^((−1/2)), where R is the radius of curvature of the light-exitsurfaces (246 and 248 in FIG. 2A) of the secondary optics and n is theindex of refraction of the portion of the secondary optics that isopposite of the wavelength-conversion material as viewed from thereflective surfaces (242 and 244 in FIG. 2A). The support structure maybe a transparent self-supporting structure. The light convertingmaterial diffuses light as it converts the wavelengths, provides mixingof the light and can help uniformly illuminate tertiary reflectors (notshown in FIG. 2A).

As noted previously, the geometry of secondary optics 240 plays animportant role in shaping the light emitted by the adjustableillumination device. For instance, the shape of surfaces 242 and 244 mayvary in accordance with the desired emission. While surfaces 242 and 244are depicted as planar surfaces, other shapes are also possible. Forexample, these surfaces can be curved or faceted. Curved redirectingsurfaces 242 and 244 can be used to narrow or widen the beam. Dependingof the divergence of the angular range of the light that is received atthe input end of the secondary optics, concave reflective surfaces 242,244 can narrow the light intensity distribution output by the secondaryoptics 240, while convex reflective surfaces 242, 244 can widen thelight intensity distribution output by the secondary optics 240. Assuch, suitably configured redirecting surfaces 242, 244 may introduceconvergence or divergence into the light. Such surfaces can have aconstant radius of curvature, can be parabolic, hyperbolic, or have someother curvature.

FIGS. 2B and 2D show redirecting surfaces 243-b and 243-d having an apex241 that separates the curved redirecting surface 242, 244. It should benoted that the apex 241 of the redirecting surface can be a roundedvertex with a non-zero radius of curvature. Here, the redirectingsurface 242, 244 have arcuate shapes in the cross-sectional planesubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of theluminaire module 200. For example, the first and second portions of theredirecting surface 242, 244 can be parabolic, hyperbolic, and/or canhave constant curvatures different from each other. Moreover, curvaturesof the first and second portions of the redirecting surface 242, 244 canbe both negative (e.g., convex with respect to a direction ofpropagation of light from the input end of the secondary optics to theredirecting surface), can be both positive (e.g., concave with respectto the propagation direction), or one can be positive (convex) and theother one can be negative (concave).

FIG. 2E shows a redirecting surface 243-e shaped as an arc of a circle,ellipse, parabola or other curve. In this case, the first and secondportions of the redirecting surface 242, 244 represent first and secondportions of the arc of the circle. The curvature of the redirectingsurface 243 is negative (e.g., convex with respect to a direction ofpropagation of light from the input end of the secondary optics to theredirecting surface 243).

FIG. 2C shows a redirecting surface 243-c that includes faceted surfaces242, 244. Here, the surfaces meet at apex 241. Additionally, the facetsforming surface 242 meet at an apex 2444 while the facets formingsurface 242 meet at an apex 2411. The facets of each surface can havelinear or arcuate shapes. Moreover, the facets may be arranged toreflect the light received from the input end of the secondary optics indifferent angular sub-ranges. In this manner, light provided by thedifferent facets of each of the surfaces 242 and 244 is output at theoutput surfaces 246 and 248, respectively, as two intensity lobes thatcan be manipulated differently, e.g., to illuminate different targets.

FIG. 2F shows a redirecting surface 243-f where the redirecting surfaces242 and 244 are separated by a slot 245, in general a suitably formedaperture. Slot 245 corresponds to a gap in the reflective material atthe surface and allows for light to be transmitted in a forwarddirection out of the secondary optics. In general, the width of the slot245 may vary as desired, in accordance with the desired proportion oflight to be transmitted by the secondary optics.

FIG. 2G shows a redirecting surface 243-g in which surface 242 includesa slot 2455′ and surface 244 includes a slot 2455″. Such slots mayrepresent an opening in a coating providing a reflecting layer of theredirecting surface 243-g and allows transmission of at least some(e.g., about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% or more) of the light received from thelight guide.

For redirecting surfaces 243-f and 243-g, each slot may extend along theentire longitudinal extension of the luminaire module 200.Alternatively, redirecting surfaces may include multiple slots eachextending a fraction of the length of the module. Moreover, whileembodiments showing a single slot and two slots (in a cross-section) areillustrated, it will be appreciated that any number of slots may beincluded depending on the desired transmission properties of thesecondary optics. Furthermore, embodiments may feature additionaloptical elements located at the slots to shape the transmitted light.For example, secondary optics may include focusing or defocusingelements, diffusing elements, and/or diffractive elements that provideadditional light shaping to the light transmitted by the slots.

In addition, the curves corresponding to each of the cross-sectionalplanes illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2G can have different shapes anddifferent discontinuities in other cross-sectional planes along thelongitudinal dimension of the luminaire module 200. In general,different cross-sections of a redirecting surface 243 can have differentcombinations of disjoint or joined piecewise differentiable curves.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2F-2G, the luminaire module 200 canbe used in an adjustable illumination device, where direct illuminationcorresponds to light output through the transparent portions of theredirecting surface 243-f or 243-g, and indirect illuminationcorresponds to light output through surfaces 246/248 of the luminairemodule 200, as described below in connection with FIGS. 3-4, forexample.

In some embodiments, it is also possible to use redirecting surfacesthat do not include slots in the reflective layer to provide both directand indirect light as shown in FIGS. 3-4. For example, rather thanproviding a highly-reflective layer on the redirecting surface, apartially-reflecting layer may instead be used (e.g., apartially-silvered surface). In this way, the redirecting surface (e.g.,as illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2E) acts as a beam splitter rather than amirror, and transmits a desired portion of incident light, whilereflecting the remaining light. In certain embodiments, additionaloptical layers may be included adjacent the partially-reflecting layerthat can further shape the transmitted light. For example, a diffusinglayer may be included. Alternatively, or additionally, a lens or lensarray may be included (e.g., such as a micro-structured film composed oflenticular lenses or prisms).

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2E, where a highly reflectivematerial is included at the redirecting surface, light is output fromthe secondary optics 240 of the luminaire module 200 only throughsurfaces 246/248. In this case, luminaire module 200 can be used as acomponent of the adjustable illumination device 100, where the outputlight is further redirected by tertiary reflectors (not shown) toprovide direct illumination.

Moreover, the shape of the output surfaces 246 and 248 of the secondaryoptic 240 can vary as well, and thus, the surfaces 246 and 248 can steerand shape the beam of light. For example, the radius of curvature ofthese surfaces can be selected so that the surfaces introduce a desiredamount of convergence into the light. Aspheric surfaces can also beused. Similar properties noted above in connection with FIGS. 2B-2Gregarding contours of the redirecting surface of the secondary optic 240in cross-sectional planes substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal dimension of the luminaire module 200 apply to contours ofthe output surfaces 246, 248 of the secondary optics 240 in suchcross-sectional planes.

In general, choices of redirecting surfaces described in FIGS. 2B-2G canprovide an additional degree of freedom for modifying the (direct orindirect or both) intensity distribution (e.g., illumination pattern) ofthe light output by the adjustable illumination devices. In general, theluminaire modules 200, direct secondary reflectors, indirect optics, thearrangement of indirect and direct LEEs with respect to a mount of anadjustable illumination device, and the first and second apexes may beiteratively modified in their spatial position and/or optical properties(spatial shape of reflective surfaces, index of refraction of solidmaterial, spectrum of emitted or guided light, etc.) to provide apredetermined direct and/or indirect illumination distribution.

In general, the geometry of the elements can be established using avariety of methods. For example, the geometry can be establishedempirically. Alternatively, or additionally, the geometry can beestablished using optical simulation software, such as Lighttools™,Tracepro™, FRED™ or Zemax™, for example.

In general, the luminaire modules can include other features useful fortailoring the intensity profile. For example, in some implementations,luminaire modules can include an optically diffusing material and/orstructure that scatters light, which can be configured to homogenize theluminaire module's intensity profile to predetermined degrees. Forexample, surfaces 242 and 244 can have an engineered roughness orinterface structure or include a diffusely reflecting material, ratherthan a specular reflective material, and/or a coat can be applied tothese surfaces. Accordingly, the optical interfaces at surfaces 242 and244 can diffusely reflect light, and/or scatter light into broader lobesthat would be provided by similar structures utilizing specularreflection at these interfaces. In some implementations, these surfacescan include structure that facilitates various intensity distributions.For example, surfaces 242 and 244 can each have multiple planar facetsat differing orientations. Accordingly, each facet will reflect lightinto different directions. In some implementations, surfaces 242 and 244can have structure thereon (e.g., structural features that scatter ordiffract light).

In certain implementations, a light scattering material can be disposedon surfaces 246 and 248 of secondary optics 240 (e.g., surfaces 246 and248 can have an engineered roughness or include a layer of a diffuselytransmitting material). Alternatively, or additionally, surfaces 246 and248 need not be surfaces having a constant radius of curvature. Forexample, surfaces 246 and 248 can include portions having differingcurvature and/or can have structure thereon (e.g., structural featuresthat scatter or diffract light).

FIG. 3 schematically shows an adjustable illumination device 300 mountedto a ceiling 180. In this example, the adjustable illumination device300 includes a solid embodiment of the luminaire module 200 describedabove in connection with FIG. 2A and the position of the luminairemodule 200 can be adjusted relative to the ceiling 180. In someimplementations, the adjustable illumination device 300 is elongatedalong the y-axis (perpendicular to the page.) The adjustableillumination device 300 includes a mount 210, multiple LEEs 212, primaryoptics 220, a light guide 230 and a solid secondary optic 240.

In this example, the mount 210 has a first surface 210 a with a normalparallel to the z-axis. The multiple LEEs 212 are disposed on the firstsurface 210 a of the mount, such that the LEEs 212 emit, duringoperation, light in a first angular range with respect to the normal tothe first surface 210 a of the mount 210.

The primary optics 220 are arranged on the first surface 210 a andcoupled with the LEEs 212. The primary optics 220 are shaped to redirectlight received from the LEEs 212 in a first angular range, and toprovide the redirected light in a second angular range 252. A divergenceof the second angular range 252 is smaller than a divergence of thefirst angular range at least in the x-z plane. The light guide 230includes input and output ends. In this case, the input and output endsof the light guide 230 have substantially the same shape. The input endof the light guide 230 is coupled to the primary optics 220 to receivethe light provided by the primary optics 220 in the second angular range252. Further, in this example, the light guide 230 is shaped to guidethe light received from the primary optics 220 in the second angularrange 252 and to provide the guided light at the output end of the lightguide 230.

The secondary optic 240 includes an input end, a redirecting surface243-g opposing the input end and first and second output surfaces. Theinput end of the solid secondary optic 240 is coupled to the output endof the light guide 230 to receive the light provided by the light guide230. In this case, the redirecting surface 243-g has been describedabove in connection with FIG. 2G. The redirecting surface 243-g hasfirst and second portions that reflect the light received at the inputend of the secondary optic 240 and provide the reflected light in thirdand fourth angular ranges with respect to the normal to the firstsurface 210 a of the mount 210 towards the first and second outputsurfaces, respectively. At least prevalent directions of propagation oflight in the third and fourth angular ranges are different from eachother and from a prevalent direction of propagation of light in thesecond angular range 252 at least perpendicular to the y-axis.

Additionally, some regions of the first and second portions of theredirecting surface 243-g are transparent (e.g., are uncoated with areflecting layer, or have slots, apertures, etc.), such that the firstand second portions of the redirecting surface 243-g transmit (andsometime refract) the light received at the input end of the solidsecondary optic 240 and output the transmitted (“leaked”) and refractedlight in fifth angular range 262 with respect to the normal to the firstsurface 210 a of the mount 210, outside the first and second portions ofthe redirecting surface 243-g. Note that when transmission (“leakage”)of light in fifth angular range 262 occurs through apertures of planarfirst and second portions of the redirected surface 243-f or 243-g, theangular range 262 may correspond to the second angular range 252 of thelight output at the output end of the light guide 230.

The first output surface is shaped to refract the light provided by thefirst portion of the redirecting surface 243-g in the third angularrange as first refracted light, and to output the first refracted lightin a seventh angular range 142 with respect to the normal to the firstsurface 210 a of the mount 210 outside the first output surface of thesolid secondary optic 240. The second output surface is shaped torefract the light provided by the second portion of the redirectingsurface 243-g in the fourth angular range as second refracted light, andto output the second refracted light in an eighth angular range 142′with respect to the normal of the first surface 210 a of the mount 210outside the second output surface of the solid secondary optic 240.Moreover, prevalent directions of propagation of light in the seventh142 and eighth 142′ angular ranges are different from each other andhave a non-zero component antiparallel with the normal to the firstsurface 210 a of the mount 210.

In this manner, in some implementations, the adjustable illuminationdevice 300 can provide direct illumination (in angular range 262) on atarget space located in the positive direction of the z-axis (e.g., onthe floor 190 or a desk) and indirect illumination (in angular ranges142, 142′) towards the ceiling 180.

While the foregoing example includes a light guide, otherimplementations are also possible. FIG. 4 shows another example of anadjustable illumination device 400. In this example, the adjustableillumination device 400 includes a hollow embodiment (i.e., embodimentsthat do not include a light guide and/or solid secondary optics) of aluminaire module described above in connection with FIG. 2A. A positionof the luminaire module can be adjusted relative to the ceiling 180. Theadjustable illumination device 400 includes a housing (not shown in FIG.4) to which the luminaire module can be coupled. In someimplementations, the housing can be a recess ceiling mount and theposition of the luminaire module can be adjusted relative to thehousing. In some implementations, the adjustable illumination device 400is elongated along the y-axis (perpendicular to the page.) Theadjustable illumination device 400 includes a mount 210, multiple LEEs212, primary optics 220, and a secondary optic 440.

In this example, the mount 210 has a first surface 210 a with a normalparallel to the z-axis. The multiple LEEs 212 are disposed on the firstsurface 210 a of the mount, such that the LEEs 212 emit, duringoperation, light in a first angular range with respect to the normal tothe first surface 210 a of the mount 210.

The primary optics 220 are arranged on the first surface 210 a andcoupled with the LEEs 212. The primary optics 220 are shaped to redirectlight received from the LEEs 212 in the first angular range, and toprovide the redirected light in a second angular range 252. A divergenceof the second angular range 252 is smaller than a divergence of thefirst angular range at least in the x-z plane.

The secondary optic 440 includes a redirecting surface 243-b/g. In thiscase, the redirecting surface 243-b/g has first and second portions thatare shaped as described above in connection with FIG. 2B. In addition,some regions of the first and second portions of the redirecting surface243-b/g are transparent (e.g., are uncoated with a reflecting layer, orhave slots, apertures, etc.) The first and second portions of theredirecting surface 243-b/g reflect the light received from the primaryoptics 220 in the second angular range 252, and provide the reflectedlight in third 142 and fourth 142′ angular ranges with respect to thenormal to the first surface 210 a of the mount 210, respectively. Atleast prevalent directions of propagation of light in the third 142 andfourth 142′ angular ranges are different from each other and from aprevalent direction of propagation of light in the second angular range252 at least perpendicular to the y-axis. Moreover, prevalent directionsof propagation of light in the third 142 and fourth 142′ angular rangesare different from each other and have a non-zero component antiparallelwith the normal to the first surface 210 a of the mount 210.

Additionally, the transparent regions of the first and second portionsof the redirecting surface 243-b/g transmit the light received from theprimary optics 220 in the second angular range 252, and output thetransmitted (“leaked”) light in fifth angular range 262 with respect tothe normal to the first surface 210 a of the mount 210. Note that inthis case, the fifth angular range 262 may correspond to the secondangular range 252 of the light received from the primary optics 220.Note that when transmission (“leakage”) of light in fifth angular range262 occurs without refraction (e.g., through apertures of the redirectedsurface 243-b/g), the fifth angular range 262 corresponds to the secondangular range 252 of the light received at the secondary optic 440.

In this manner, in some implementations, the adjustable illuminationdevice 400 provides direct illumination (in angular range 262) on atarget space located in the positive direction of the z-axis (e.g., onthe floor 190 or a desk) and indirect illumination (in angular ranges142, 142′) towards the ceiling 180. In other implementations, whensecondary optic 440 includes partially light-transmissive (e.g., about1%, 5%, 10%, 20% or more light transmission), redirecting surfaces, suchas 243 f/g shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G, the adjustable illumination device400 provides direct illumination on the target space located in thepositive direction of the z-axis (e.g., on the floor 190) in angularrange 262 and indirect illumination towards the ceiling 180 in angularranges 142, 142′.

As explained herein, composition and geometry of components of theluminaire module can affect the intensity distribution provided by theluminaire module. For example, referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments,luminaire modules can be configured to direct substantially all of thelight into a range of angles between 90° to 120° and −90° to −120° in across-sectional plane of the luminaire module, where 0° corresponds tothe direction of direct illumination and 180° corresponds to thedirection of indirect illumination. The direction of direct illuminationcorresponds to a normal to the mount 210 and parallel to the light guide230, and can be toward the target space (e.g., the floor 190) for anillumination device mounted on a ceiling. In FIG. 5, the intensityprofile in the cross-sectional plane is given by traces 510 and 510′,which correspond to the angular ranges 142 and 142′ respectively. Theintensity profile in the cross-sectional plane has maximum luminance atabout 95° to 110°, and −95° to −110° respectively. Luminaire modules canbe configured to direct little or no illumination into certain angularranges, for example, to avoid glare. In this example, the luminairemodule outputs almost no direct illumination toward the target space inranges from 120° to 180° and −120° to −180°.

As described above, the degree of extension of the luminaire module ofthe adjustable illumination device affects the illumination pattern.FIG. 6A is an example of an adjustable illumination device 300 with afully extended luminaire module (i.e., the secondary optic 240 is atmaximum distance to the ceiling 180.) Light emitted by the LEEs 212 isguided through the light guide 230 to the secondary optic 240 andredirected by the redirecting surface 243 towards the output surfaces ofthe secondary optic 240. The redirected light is output through theoutput surfaces of the secondary optic 240 in angular ranges 142, 142′towards the ceiling 180 (e.g., ceiling). In this example, the adjustableillumination device 300 illuminates areas A1, A1′ of the ceiling 180.Areas A1, A1′ are the largest areas the adjustable illumination device300 can illuminate since the secondary optic 240 is positioned at amaximum distance to the ceiling 180. Results of an optical simulation ofthe example illumination device 300 with Lighttools™ are shown in FIG.6A. The length L (see FIG. 2A) of the light guide is about 600 mm andthe depth D (see FIG. 2A) of the light guide is about 100 mm. Thesimulation is for a full extension of the example illumination device300 to about 100 mm below the ceiling. The angular ranges 142, 142′ haveprevalent directions oriented along +100 degrees, −100 degreesrespectively, and divergencies of about 20 degrees, as shown, forexample, in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B is a contour plot of a simulated intensity distribution on theceiling 180 that corresponds to the configuration of the adjustableillumination device 300 shown in FIG. 6A (i.e., full extension of theluminaire module) and the intensity profile shown in FIG. 5. The y-axisof the plot shown in FIG. 6B refers to the illumination distribution inthe longitudinal direction of the adjustable illumination device 300(y-axis in FIG. 2A) and the x-axis of the plot refers to theillumination distribution in the transverse direction of the adjustableillumination device 300 (x-axis in FIG. 2A.)

FIG. 6C is a cross section plot of the intensity distribution from FIG.6B in the transverse direction (x-axis) of the adjustable illuminationdevice 300 at y=0. The second axis of the plot shown in FIG. 6C refersto illuminance (lux) in the transverse direction of the adjustableillumination device 300. In this example, the illuminance between adistance of −1,000 and +1,000 mm from the adjustable illumination devicein transverse direction reaches up to 3,500 lux.

FIG. 6D is a cross section plot of the intensity distribution from FIG.6B in the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the adjustable illuminationdevice 300 at x=0. The second axis of the plot shown in FIG. 6D refersto illuminance (lux) in the longitudinal direction of the adjustableillumination device 300. In this example, the illuminance between adistance of −400 and +400 mm from the adjustable illumination devicealong the longitudinal direction reaches up to 2,250 lux.

FIG. 7A is an example of the adjustable illumination device 300 with apartially extended luminaire module. The secondary optic 240 is at adistance of about 75 mm to the ceiling 180. In this example, theadjustable illumination device 300 illuminates areas A2, A2′ of theceiling 180 that are smaller than the areas A1, A1′. In this simulationof FIG. 7A, the intermediate distance between the secondary optic andthe ceiling represents approximately 75% of the depth of the luminairemodule.

FIG. 7B is a contour plot of a simulated intensity distribution on theceiling 180 that corresponds to the configuration of the adjustableillumination device 300 shown in FIG. 7A (i.e., partial extension of theluminaire module) and the intensity profile shown in FIG. 5. The y-axisof the plot shown in FIG. 7B refers to the illumination distribution inthe longitudinal direction of the adjustable illumination device 300(y-axis in FIG. 2A) and the x-axis of the plot refers to theillumination distribution in the transverse direction of the adjustableillumination device 300 (x-axis in FIG. 2A).

FIG. 7C is a cross section plot of a simulated intensity distribution inthe transverse direction (x-axis) of the adjustable illumination device300. The second axis of the plot shown in FIG. 7C refers to illuminance(lux) in the transverse direction of the adjustable illumination device300. In this example, the illuminance between a distance of −900 and+900 mm from the adjustable illumination device in transverse directionreaches up to 4,750 lux.

FIG. 7D is a cross section plot of a simulated intensity distribution inthe longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the adjustable illuminationdevice 300. The second axis of the plot shown in FIG. 7D refers toilluminance (lux) in the longitudinal direction of the adjustableillumination device 300. In this example, the illuminance between adistance of −375 and +375 mm from the adjustable illumination devicealong the longitudinal direction reaches up to 2,400 lux. FIG. 8A is anexample of the adjustable illumination device 300 with a furtherretracted luminaire module. The secondary optic 240 is at about 50 mmdistance to the ceiling 180. In this example, the adjustableillumination device 300 illuminates areas A3, A3′ of the ceiling 180 aresmaller than the areas A2, A2′. Areas A3, A3′ are smaller areas sincethe secondary optic 240 is positioned at about 50% distance to theceiling 180.

FIG. 8B is a contour plot of a simulated intensity distribution on theceiling 180 that corresponds to the configuration of the adjustableillumination device 300 shown in FIG. 8A (i.e., full retraction of theluminaire module) and the intensity profile shown in FIG. 5. The y-axisof the plot shown in FIG. 8B refers to the illumination distribution inthe longitudinal direction of the adjustable illumination device 300(y-axis in FIG. 2A) and the x-axis of the plot refers to theillumination distribution in the transverse direction of the adjustableillumination device 300 (x-axis in FIG. 2A.)

FIG. 8C is a cross section plot of a simulated intensity distribution inthe transverse direction (x-axis) of the adjustable illumination device300. The second axis of the plot shown in FIG. 8C refers to illuminance(lux) in the transverse direction of the adjustable illumination device300. In this example, the illuminance between a distance of −600 and+600 mm from the adjustable illumination device in transverse directionreaches up to 7,500 lux.

FIG. 8D is a cross section plot of a simulated intensity distribution inthe longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the adjustable illuminationdevice 300. The second axis of the plot shown in FIG. 8D refers toilluminance (lux) in the longitudinal direction of the adjustableillumination device 300. In this example, the illuminance between adistance of −350 and +350 mm from the adjustable illumination devicealong the longitudinal direction reaches up to 2,500 lux.

FIGS. 6D, 7D, and 8D show that the illumination of the ceiling 180remains substantially above 2000 lux along the elongate dimension of theadjustable illumination device 300 (i.e., the length of the adjustableillumination device 300 defined by the Y coordinate) even though theextension of the luminaire module (i.e., the distance of the secondaryoptic 240 to the ceiling 180) varies. However, the illumination of theceiling 180 along the X coordinate varies dependent on the extension ofthe luminaire module. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the adjustableillumination device 300 with a fully extended luminaire moduleilluminates the ceiling 180 at above 500 lux to about 600 mm in the Xdirection from the adjustable illumination device 300. In comparison, asshown in FIG. 8C, the adjustable illumination device 300 with a fullyretracted luminaire module illuminates the ceiling 180 at above 500 luxto about 400 mm in the X direction from the adjustable illuminationdevice 300.

In general, the mounting structure that allows for adjustment of theposition of the luminaire module relative to the ceiling (or otherbackground area) can be configured in different ways. An example of amounting structure for an elongate luminaire module is shown in FIGS.9A-9B. Here, an adjustable illumination device 900 includes a housing910 that allows for mounting the adjustable illumination device to aceiling. The adjustable illumination device 900 includes a luminairemodule 930 (e.g., having a structure similar to luminaire module 200),the housing 910, and a sliding mechanism 920 for adjusting an extensionof the luminaire module 930 relative to the housing 910. The luminairemodule 930 can be moved relative to the housing 910 (e.g., the luminairemodule can be slid back and forth in the housing to extend or retractthe luminaire module.) In some implementations, one or more tools 940can be used to push/pull the luminaire module 930 into and out of thehousing 910. The one or more tools 940 can be permanently or removablycoupled with the luminaire module at one or more locations. For example,such tools can be arranged at opposite ends with respect to the lengthof the light guide and/or in the center of the light guide proximate thesecondary optics. The tool can comprise a tab handle, hook, a spring, oralike. One end of the housing 910 includes a flange that sits flush withthe ceiling when the adjustable illumination device is installed in aroom. This end includes an opening into which the luminaire module isinserted.

The sliding mechanism 920 includes guide rails 925, guide blocks 942 and944, spring loaded bolts 946 and openings 912. The openings 912 areconfigured to allow partial mating with respective spring loaded bolts946. The spring loaded bolts 946 can have rounded ends for protrudingbeyond a face of the respective guide blocks 942. The guide block 944can have an opening 948 that can be configured to receive a screw 914for securing the luminaire module 930 and limiting its translationalmovement relative to the housing 910.

The sliding mechanism can be configured such that the spring loadedbolts 946 resiliently engage with the openings 912 when the luminairemodule 930 is inserted in the housing 910. Release from the resilientengagement can be achieved by exerting a minimum pull/push force betweenthe luminaire module 930 and the housing 910. Force can be exerted viathe removable tool 940, by an electric motor, or any other meanssuitable to traverse the luminaire module 930.

The guide rails 925 can be located between the guide blocks 942 when theluminaire module 930 is inserted in the housing 910. The fit between theguide blocks 942 and the guide rails 925 can be configured to providesufficient tolerances and allow for an amount of force imbalance betweenthe removable tools 940 that are located on opposite ends of theluminaire module 930 to avoid jamming during up/down movement. In someimplementations, the openings 912 can have a circular, an elongate(parallel to horizontal) or other shape to allow reproducibleinterlocking even when an offset between the spring loaded bolts 946 andthe openings 912 occurs. The guide blocks 942 and 944 can be attached toa rail 945, which can be configured to hold and secure the upper edge ofthe luminaire module 930.

While in the present example the luminaire module is manually slidrelative to the housing in discrete steps, other implementations arealso possible. For example, in some embodiments, adjusting the luminairemodule 930 (i.e., sliding the luminaire module into and out of thehousing) can be performed using a mechanical or electromechanical orother actuator, for example. The actuator can be based on analog ordigital control and configured to slide the luminaire module relative tothe housing. Such actuators can be configured to allow for remotecontrol of the position of the luminaire module 930. Example actuatorscan include leadscrews and stepper motors in which the stepper motordrives the leadscrew which then translates rotational movement into alinear movement. To mitigate seizing in long linear systems, multipleactuators and/or extended actuator mechanisms may be disposed along thelength of the illumination device, which may be electrically ormechanically synchronized via suitable control signals or one or moresynchronization belts, for example.

Furthermore, different luminaire modules can have different heights,i.e., the maximum (and minimum) extension relative to the housing 910depends on the height of the respective luminaire module.

In some embodiments, the adjustable illumination device can be designedto be retrofitted into an existing light fixture. For example, theadjustable illumination device can include a base connector (e.g., anEdison, bayonet or other type base connector) suitable for attaching toan existing light socket.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an illumination device 400 that includes ahollow luminaire module. The hollow luminaire module can be coupled tothe housing via supports (e.g., side supports or guides) that set aseparation between the primary optics (or the LEEs) and the secondaryoptics. The hollow luminaire module can be adjusted within the housingas described in connection to FIG. 9, for example.

While the foregoing example is an elongate luminaire module, other formfactors are also possible. For example, referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, anembodiment of an adjustable illumination device 1000 includes an Edisonsocket connector 1010 that supports a telescoping, rotatable shaft 1020.Shaft 1020 connects to a base 1030 that supports a luminaire module,which includes one or more LEEs and one or more primary optics (neitherthe LEEs nor primary optics are shown in the figures). The luminairemodule also includes a light guide 1040 and secondary optics 1050. Thestructure of the luminaire module is similar to the luminaire modulesdescribed above. The shaft 1020 or the other components may beconfigured to allow independent rotation of the portions of theadjustable illumination device on either side of the shaft 1020 or theother component to allow rotation of the secondary optics 1050 whilemaintaining secure connection of the base connector 1010 with acorresponding socket.

FIG. 10A shows the adjustable illumination device in an un-extendedconfiguration. FIGS. 10B and 10C show the shaft extended, exposing innershaft section 1025.

As noted previously, shaft 1020 is rotatable, allowing the luminairemodule to be rotated about the z-axis of the shown Cartesian coordinatesystem. In FIG. 10B, the luminaire module extends along the x-axis,while in FIG. 10C the luminaire module is rotated to extend along they-axis.

The form-factor of adjustable illumination device 1000 allows it to beinstalled in existing light sockets. For example, in some embodiments,adjustable illumination device can be installed in a recessed can lightas shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. In particular, these figures show adjustableillumination device 1000 installed in a recessed can 1110 in a ceilingpanel 1101. The fixture also includes a blocking reflector 1120 that isinserted into the recessed can before adjustable illumination device1000 is attached. FIG. 11A shows adjustable illumination device 1000 ina recessed posture. FIGS. 11B and 11C show the adjustable illuminationdevice extended so secondary optics 1050 extend below the ceiling. Theluminaire module is rotatable in the fixture, as illustrated by FIG.11C. In some embodiments, the adjustable illumination device 1000 mayinclude a sleeve (not illustrated) configured to cover the opening ofthe recessed can. Such a sleeve may be resiliently biased towards thebase to allow flush alignment with the recessed can. The sleeve mayprovide a powder coated, polished, brushed or other metallic, white orother color lower surface. The surface of the sleeve may besubstantially planar.

While the foregoing embodiment is designed for connecting to an Edisonsocket, other standard bases can also be used (e.g., a bayonet base).Furthermore, while the foregoing examples are ceiling-mounted adjustableillumination devices, other form factors are also possible. For example,illumination devices can be used in an upright configuration where theLEEs are positioned underneath the secondary optic. FIG. 12 shows across-section of an adjustable illumination device 1200 that can beconfigured, for example, for use as a desk lamp or pedestal lamp. Inthis example, the adjustable illumination device 1200 includes a solidembodiment of the luminaire module, such as luminaire module 200described above in connection with FIG. 2A. Further in this example, aposition of the luminaire module can be adjusted relative to a housing710 to which the luminaire module is coupled.

As described above in connection with FIG. 2A, the luminaire module 200can output light in angular ranges 142 and 142′. In this example, thelight output in angular ranges 142, 142′ illuminates the target space(e.g., a desk or the floor 190). In some implementations, the luminairemodule 200 is configured to output light in angular range 262 asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 2A. In this example, the lightoutput in angular range 262 illuminates the background area (e.g., theceiling 180.)

As described herein, the luminaire module 200 includes a mount 210 andmultiple LEEs 212. The LEEs 212 can be coupled with the mount 210. Theluminaire module 200 includes primary optics 220 (e.g., optical couplerscorresponding to the LEEs 212), the light guide 230, and the secondaryoptic 240 (e.g., an optical extractor). A portion of the light that isguided by the light guide 230 in a collimated angular range to thesecondary optic 240 is redirected by a first portion 242 of aredirecting surface and then output from the secondary optic 240 of theluminaire module 200 through a first output surface 246. Another portionof the light received at the secondary optic 240 in the collimatedangular range is redirected by a second portion 244 of the redirectingsurface and then output from the secondary optic 240 of the luminairemodule 200 through a second output surface 248. A mounting frame andattachment brackets can be used to position/attach the luminaire module200 inside the housing 710 to provide a device for target spaceillumination, for example.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an adjustable illumination device 1300configured as a lamp (e.g., a desk lamp or pedestal lamp). Theadjustable illumination device 1300 includes a luminaire module 1330(e.g., such as luminaire module 200) and a housing 1310 to which theluminaire module 1330 is coupled. The adjustable illumination device1300 also includes a sliding mechanism (e.g., a sliding mechanism asdescribed in connection with FIG. 9) for adjusting an extension of theluminaire module 1330 relative to the housing 1310. In some embodiments,the housing 1310 can be supported by a stand (e.g., a floor stand or adesk stand.)

In some implementations, the luminaire module 1330 can be extended andretracted electro-mechanically, for example by stepwise or continuousactuators (not illustrated). In some implementations, the housing 1310can include sockets (e.g., similar to conventional light bulbs) so thatthe housing 1310 can be screwed into a base to allow electrical and/ormechanical interconnection with the environment.

The term “light-emitting element” (LEE), also referred to as a lightemitter, is used to define any device that emits radiation in one ormore regions of the electromagnetic spectrum from among the visibleregion, the infrared region and/or the ultraviolet region, whenactivated. Activation of an LEE can be achieved by applying a potentialdifference across components of the LEE or passing a current throughcomponents of the LEE, for example. A light-emitting element can havemonochromatic, quasi-monochromatic, polychromatic or broadband spectralemission characteristics. Examples of light-emitting elements includesemiconductor, organic, polymer/polymeric light-emitting diodes (e.g.,organic light-emitting diodes, OLEDs), other monochromatic,quasi-monochromatic or other light-emitting elements. Furthermore, theterm light-emitting element is used to refer to the specific device thatemits the radiation, for example a LED die, and can equally be used torefer to a combination of the specific device that emits the radiation(e.g., a LED die) together with a housing or package within which thespecific device or devices are placed. Examples of light emittingelements include also lasers and more specifically semiconductor lasers,such as vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and edgeemitting lasers. Further examples include superluminescent diodes andother superluminescent devices.

The preceding figures and accompanying description illustrate examplemethods, systems and devices for illumination. It will be understoodthat these methods, systems, and devices are for illustration purposesonly and that the described or similar techniques may be performed atany appropriate time, including concurrently, individually, or incombination. In addition, many of the steps in these processes may takeplace simultaneously, concurrently, and/or in different orders than asshown. Moreover, the described methods/devices may use additionalsteps/parts, fewer steps/parts, and/or different steps/parts, so long asthe methods/devices remain appropriate.

In other words, although this disclosure has been described in terms ofcertain aspects or implementations and generally associated methods,alterations and permutations of these aspects or implementations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above descriptionof example implementations does not define or constrain this disclosure.Further implementations are described in the following claims.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. An illumination device comprising: a housing havingan opening; an adjustable mount attached to the housing; and a luminairemodule coupled to the housing via the adjustable mount, the luminairemodule comprising: a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEEs) adaptedto emit light; a light guide positioned to receive, at an input end ofthe light guide, light from the LEEs and adapted to guide the receivedlight to an output end of the light guide, wherein the light guidecomprises a pair of parallel side surfaces extending between the inputend and the output end; and an optical extractor optically coupled withthe light guide at the output end to receive light from the light guide,the optical extractor comprising at least one redirecting surface andone or more output surfaces, the at least one redirecting surface beingadapted to reflect at least a portion of the light received at theoptical extractor towards the one or more output surfaces, wherein theLEEs and at least a portion of the light guide are recessed within thehousing and the adjustable mount allows adjusting a position between theoptical extractor and the opening of the housing.
 20. The illuminationdevice of claim 19, wherein the luminaire module further comprises oneor more primary optics positioned to receive light emitted by at leastsome of the LEEs, adapted to at least partially collimate the light fromthe at least some LEEs, and optically coupled at an input end of thelight guide. 21-23. (canceled)
 24. The illumination device of claim 19,wherein the at least one redirecting surface is partially transmissivefor the light received from the light guide.
 25. The illumination deviceof claim 19, wherein the at least one redirecting surface reflectssubstantially all of the light received from the light guide. 26-29.(canceled)
 30. The illumination device of claim 19, wherein the housingcomprises a mounting structure adapted to mount the illumination devicein a ceiling so that adjusting the position between the opticalextractor and the opening of the housing varies a distance between theoptical extractor and the ceiling.
 31. The illumination device of claim19, wherein the adjustable mount comprises an electromechnical actuatoradapted to move the luminaire module relative to the housing.
 32. Theillumination device of claim 19, wherein the adjustable mount is amanually adjustable mount.
 33. The illumination device of claim 19,further comprising a stand for supporting the housing during operationof the illumination device.
 34. The illumination device of claim 33,wherein the stand is a floor stand or a desk stand.
 35. The illuminationdevice of claim 19, wherein the housing comprises a connector forconnecting the illumination device to a standard light socket.
 36. Theillumination device of claim 35, wherein the adjustable mount is adaptedto translate the luminaire module relative to the connector. 37.(canceled)
 38. The illumination device of claim 19, wherein theillumination device is sized to attach to a recessed can ceilingfixture. 39-52. (canceled)